Humanity Over Identity: Former CJI Chandrachud's Powerful Call to Doctors
Former CJI D.Y. Chandrachud urges doctors to prioritize humanity and mental health at UCMS's 55th anniversary event in Delhi.
Speaking at the 55th anniversary celebrations of the University College of Medical Sciences (UCMS) in Delhi, former Chief Justice of India D. Y. Chandrachud delivered a poignant address to medical students and practitioners. He urged the medical community to place compassion and humanity at the heart of their practice, reminding them that the most vital work they perform is often the kind that goes unseen by the world.
The Universal Language of Healing
To illustrate the transcendence of medical care over political and social divides, the former CJI recounted a historical episode involving Mahatma Gandhi. In January 1924, while imprisoned at Yerwada Jail in Pune, Gandhi underwent surgery for acute appendicitis performed by a British officer.
Chandrachud noted that in the confines of that operating room, the clash between the British Empire and the Indian independence movement vanished. Neither the nationality of the surgeon nor the prisoner status of the patient mattered. Following the successful procedure, Gandhi expressed his gratitude toward the doctor who saved him.
“The patient in front of you may be a prisoner or a minister, a saint or a sinner,” Chandrachud remarked. “In the operation theatre, only one identity matters: a human being who needs you. Medicine at its finest is the one place where all our divisions are left outside the door.”
Lessons from the Frontlines
The former CJI also highlighted the legacy of Dr. M S Rawal, a former dean of RML Hospital. He shared how Dr. Rawal, while posted in Tripura during the Bangladesh Liberation War, worked in field hospitals with minimal equipment and limited anesthesia to treat injured Mukti Vahini soldiers. This selfless dedication to saving lives under extreme conditions served as a reminder of the profound impact doctors can have during times of crisis.
A Father's Perspective on Medical Care
Moving to a deeply personal note, Justice Chandrachud spoke about the health struggles of his elder daughter, who lives with a condition known as Nemaline myopathy. He recalled a terrifying moment in Shimla when his daughter suffered respiratory distress and required ventilator support.
Despite warnings that moving her could be fatal within minutes, the family took a risk and transported her to the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh, where the medical team successfully saved her life.
The Silent Crisis: Doctors' Mental Health
While praising the dedication of medical professionals, the former CJI raised a critical alarm regarding the well-being of the healers themselves. He shared a tragic story from his daughter's treatment in Delhi, where a young doctor from Noida, who had been assisting in the care, passed away due to a drug overdose.
This incident highlighted a grim reality: the tendency for doctors to neglect their own health while tirelessly caring for others. Addressing the grueling schedules of young medics—who often work 36 to 48 hours straight—he emphasized the necessity of psychological support.
“Let's talk about mental health. Focus on our own health,” he urged, calling on doctors to acknowledge their emotional and psychological burdens to ensure they can continue to serve their patients effectively.